Our Mission: By coordinating services and informational programs, The Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center (ChesMRC) empowers people from different cultures to become successful and engaged members of our community. Through education, we strive to breakdown cultural barriers that arise from differences in language, appearance or ethnic traditions. Our Background & History Originally launched as a project of the Mid-Shore Community Foundation in September of 2012, ChesMRC now functions as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit community-based organization. The Center is organized and led by a Board of Directors comprised of local citizens who support the mission and objectives of ChesMRC. In addition to private donations, ChesMRC also receives funding from state and local grants to run and administer community programs. Since it’s inception in 2012, ChesMRC has provided services to more than 4,000 non-English speakers in Talbot and surrounding counties, involving over 6,500 separate requests for information and referral. No other organization is addressing this need. Our Objectives: Legal Residency & Citizenship: Improve and expand immigration and citizenship direct services: -Immigration consultations, referrals, and case management -Immigration clinics -Citizenship classes -Employer Advice Youth Development: Improve and maintain youth development programming and services: -After-school (all levels) tutoring and mentoring -Partnerships with key youth development organizations (Scouts, YMCA, Parks and Rec, Talbot Mentors) Resource Center: Provide information and accurate referral services for key issues affecting immigrants such as Health, Legal, Labor, Social Service, Safety, and Housing. Language and Cultural Competency: Improve and expand language interpretation resources and cultural competency training programs Community Stature and Collaboration: Expand both community awareness of ChesMRC’s work and community collaborations